CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts — Harvard students protested on Tuesday after the United States government said it intends to cancel all remaining financial contracts with the university — in what is being seen as President Donald Trump's latest attempt to force the prestigious institution to submit to unprecedented oversight.

Hundreds of students gathered to oppose Trump's widening offensive, including Tuesday's measures estimated to be worth $100 million, against the university that has drawn his ire for refusing to give up control of curriculum, admissions and research.

"Trump = traitor", read one student placard, while the crowd chanted "Who belongs in class today, let them stay" in reference to Harvard's international students whose status Trump has upended by summarily revoking the university's accreditation to the country's Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

A judge issued a restraining order pending a hearing on the matter scheduled for Thursday, the same day as the university's commencement ceremony for which thousands of graduating students and their families gathered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Boston.

Meanwhile, the White House doubled down in its offensive, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying on Fox News on Tuesday evening that instead of Harvard, public money should go to vocational schools that train electricians and plumbers.

Tuesday's protest unfolded as news helicopters hovered overhead and graduating students in academic attire and their guests ate finger food at a reception on the lawns of Harvard Square nearby.

Deportation threats

"All my international friends and peers and professors and researchers are at risk and (are) threatened with being deported — or their option is to transfer" to another university, said Alice Goyer, who attended the protest wearing a black academic gown.

"As a US student, it's my responsibility to speak out for them."

Harvard has filed extensive legal challenges against the administration's measures, which legal experts say are likely to be overturned by the courts.

Ray Brescia, a professor at Albany Law School in New York state, suggested Harvard could file a lawsuit to overturn the latest contract cuts as part of existing legal action.

"The case is so strong that the court system is not going to step to the side and allow this ... to go forward," Brescia said.

The Trump administration's assault on Harvard was so flawed that a higher court would likely strike down the campaign against the university if the administration were to challenge it on appeal, he added.

Agencies via Xinhua